If you have a question about the Support Services at Benedictine Hospital please call 845-334-3171
Our family-oriented Hospice and Palliative Care Unit is designed to improve the quality of life through reduced pain while end-of-life care is provided through a multidisciplinary, complementary, and supportive team of palliative care specialists. Our in-patient unit is designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their families when the patient’s cancer is no longer amenable to anti-cancer therapies.
We recognize
that people living with serious illness require a different type
of care. A different kind of support.
Our team consists of a group of trained health care providers who
have clinical experience in the disease process and in the treatment
options available.
The patient is not the only one being treated
however. Having a loved one hospitalized can be difficult and confusing
for all family caregivers. We can help you make informed choices
at this crucial time.
Comfort is the hallmark of the program. That’s why we will
work with patient’s physicians to achieve the goals of all
concerned. Our team is comprised of:
Patients who require palliative care include those with the following serious illness: Parkinson’s disease, dementia, advanced cardiac or pulmonary disease, and cancer.
Pallative care is active management of the patient and family. By aggressively treating symptoms and meeting all needs of the patient we can provide a respite from some aspects of being ill.
The Oncology Support House comprises a team of compassionate professionals and volunteers dedicated to changing how people perceive and respond to cancer through creative programming, education, healing arts, and comprehensive support services. As a bridge between Benedictine Hospital and the community, we offer a nurturing environment that promotes wellness and celebrates the fullness of life.
A few of the services provided by the Oncology Support House deserve mention:
Art Cart: A cart loaded with brushes and paints, colored pencils and pens, pastels, collage materials, journals, modeling clay, colored paper and sketchbooks taken to your bedside.
Bedscapes©: Large scenes of nature—at bedside—on a portable screen with accompanying sound tracks offer you a relaxing sensory experience.
Healing Circle Improvisational Group: Creates and performs improvisational pieces for patients, their families and friends in the hospital and at home. (Also available as an outpatient therapy.)
Meditation and Breathing: A state of deep relaxation and focused concentration attained by slow, deep, focused breathing.
Pastoral Care—Spirituality and Prayer: A visit from a member of our pastoral care department may be requested at any point during your stay. They will be happy to pray with you or just spend time with you. As a spiritually- based institution, we believe that all forms of prayer, like meditation, can help bring peace and comfort. The Chapel is available for private contemplation or simple solitude.
Pet Therapy: A visit from a certified dog and handler can significantly improve human physical and emotional health.
Rainbow the Magical Clown: Be amused and enchanted by her dazzling magic and clown antics. After all, laughter is the best medicine!
Visualization or Guided Imagery: Focus on pleasant mental images to reduce stress and even slow heart rate, guided by tape or facilitator.
Listening Support Project: Compassionate listening volunteer.
Healing and the Arts Program: Learning skills from artists and guest instructors.